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Calling All Analog Gurus! What to do about my vintage Signet TK7LCa?


I just took a chance on buying a Signet TK7LCa cartridge on eBay to try with my new Allnic H1201 phono stage. I got it yesterday, checked the stylus (looks straight), and mounted it on my Well Tempered Amadeus. Unfortunately, the sound is dull, dull, dull regardless of what settings I use with the Allnic. I cleaned the stylus, so that is not the issue.

Am I correct in assuming that the stylus is just worn out and will need to be replaced? Are there other things I should try? What are my best options? What would you do?

Thanks in advance for any and all helpful tips. I continue to have high hopes for this cartridge despite this inauspicious debut.
128x128waltersalas
halcro's avatar
halcro
2,664 posts
 
The Signet TK-7CLa is nearly my undefeated 'World Champ' cartridge (of any genre)...and has been for 5 years.
The LAST word I would use to describe is "dull"...😱
It is smooth, sharp, detailed yet relaxed, transparent, exciting, neutral and sublime.
Most importantly...it projects all the 'emotion' contained in the vinyl groove that many cartridges simply do not.
Looking at the photos in the ad, it appears fine to the naked eye.
Here's one of mine
http://i.imgur.com/h0LXXHg.jpg
and another view
http://i.imgur.com/iDJntE7.jpg
Unless there's something wrong with the suspension (does it collapse when you lower it on the disc?) or the coils or dampener, it should not sound 'dull' even if you strapped it to a chopstick.....
Here is my other one without the original stylus
http://i.imgur.com/0HK9kQa.jpg
but an AT-155Lc implant. This shares the nude line-contact stylus in a beryllium cantilever just like the original and comes very close to the sound of the original.
Only trouble with this.....is it's no longer produced and is rather scarce and therefore pricy.
If you're patient, they sometimes come up on EBay or you can also buy the whole AT-155Lc cartridge if you can find one in NOS.
All the trouble you may go to in order to hear what this cartridge can deliver will be worth it...😎🎼
fleib
1,124 posts
 

StereoNeedles has the ATN155LC listed for sale.  It might be a good idea to call first to make sure it's in stock.

The ATN150MLX (boron/ML) will fit on either of these bodies.  The cartridge has been discontinued and the stylus is now around $250. (Amazon, Lp Gear).

The new AT-150Sa has the same generator as a 120/440 and 160ML.  The stylus is tapered aluminum/shibata. 

If you want a lower inductance generator like the 150 (350mH), you can get a 5V at Lp Gear.  It's a 360mH motor but with lower resistance.  Any of these styli will fit. 


tooblue
1,890 posts
 
From the wording in your post it seems that you bought a used cartridge off ebay and that being the case it would be a shot in the dark at best, you also mention that the cart sounds dull no matter what setting you choose on the Allnic 1201. What other settings are available other than the moving magnet that you are trying? Hopefully you have access to another cart to try with your Allnic which is a very special phono stage. Good luck.

czarivey
5,740 posts
 
Assuming your stylus is OK, remove stylus and check if there's gunk where stylus connects to the magnets and clean it with alcohol. You can also dip your cartridge in alcohol bath.
I use microscope to ID the shape of stylus or you can download magnifier software onto your smart phone if you have one and visualize stylus tip wear. If it's dull, guess, it will sound dull and will need be replaced.

waltersalas's avatar
waltersalas OP
947 posts
 

Problem solved! I started from scratch, raised the VTA a smidge, re-cleaned the stylus, and reset all of the connections. Whatever was wrong is now right. It is as if two thick blankets have been removed from the speakers and the cartridge is now singing beautifully. I've got a little hum issue I still need to work on, but at least now I know the cartridge is not defective. Far from it!

My sincere thanks to all who weighed in with constructive comments.
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